Towns across the country celebrate Christmas traditions annually, and this year, Denair hopes to begin one of its own with its first annual Christmas tree lighting event.
Hosted by the Denair Gaslight Conservatory Theater and the Denair Lions Club, the event was planned in an effort to bring the community together and kick off the holiday season.
“A lot of community members wanted to know why we didn’t have a tree lighting ceremony,” said Denair Lions Club member Glenn Doerksen. “This is our first year, so we’re hoping it goes well.”
The event will kick off with refreshments, including hot chocolate and coffee, and Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance as well. The tree will be lit shortly after.
“Denair is a wonderful community, and the Lions Club wants to contribute to the success of our home town,” said Doerksen. “Participating in events such as this is a way to bring us all together and make us a small town that everyone can be proud of.”
The Lions Club has provided a newly-placed tree and lights for the ceremony, which will take place in front of the Gaslight Theater.
“Christmas time is a time for our community to come together in peace, joy and fellowship,” said Gaslight Theater President Erica Prock. “We are excited and honored to be participating in an event during this wonderful season.”
According to Doerksen, the tree lighting ceremony is just the beginning of what’s in store for Denair’s Christmas season. The Gaslight Theater will continue to spread holiday cheer with a production of “A Christmas Carol” at 8 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 10 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 11.
Doerksen expects Denair’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony to become an annual event, and hopes to see it evolve to include a Christmas parade in the coming years.
“We want to get back to the meaning of what the holidays are about,” said Doerksen. “It’s about family, friends and giving back to the community. We’re looking forward to it.”
Denair’s first annual Christmas tree lighting event will take place on Dec. 3 at the Gaslight Theater, 3908 N. Gratton Road. Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m., with the tree lighting taking place at 6:30 p.m.
